SPEAKERS & MODERATORS

For more information and speaker bios, visit www.coastalconnectionsconference.com/speakers

PRICING:

• Early bird rate: $495 (until Aug. 31)

• Nonprofit and ZAG early bird rate: $445 (until Aug. 31)

• Standard rate: $595 (until Sept. 29)

• For information about group discounts contact us at conference@breakwallpublishing.com

HOTEL ROOM BLOCK:

BOOK NOW FOR LOWEST RATES!

• Special rate of only $179/night available for conference attendees

• Extend your stay before and after and still receive the same great rate

• For reservations, please visit www.coastalconnectionsconference.com/ hotel or call 855-995-9099 and mention Coastal Connections Conference

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 22, 2023

Registration and Badge Pick-up won’t want to miss. Come ready to participate! Panelists: Pauline Bresnahan, Pauline’s Gifts; Anita Cereceda, Islands Gift Shop; Kathy Cruz, Savvy Shop Keeper; Elie Johnson, ZooTampa; Patrick Keiser, Heart on Main Street

12:00 - 3:00 p.m.

Keynote: Mastering the Inventory Game

3:00 - 4:15 p.m. Don’t let your inventory get the best of you! You’ll leave this session with out-of-the-box ideas and proven tools that will make managing your store’s merchandise less work, more fun and even more profitable. Speaker: Dane Cohen, Management One

Afternoon Break

4:15 - 4:30 p.m.

Lunch

12:30 - 1:30 p.m.

1:30 - 2:00 p.m. Seaside Retailer honors past recipients of the Starfish Award recognizing each winner for their contributions to charitable causes and conservation efforts in their communities and beyond.

Starfish Awards Presentation

Session II: Build an All-star Team

4:30 - 6:00 p.m. Hiring and retaining good employees doesn’t have to be difficult. Learn what steps to take to create a loyal and hard-working team in your retail operation so you can worry less and rely on your employees more. Panelists: Kathy Cruz, Savvy Shop Keeper; Scott Hamblin, Sunshine Ace Hardware; William Hill, Margaritaville Resort Orlando Gift Shop; Kim Springsteen-Abbot, Lady Gryphon’s Coastal Collection Shop

Welcome Party

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Mingle with seaside retailers at the Coastal Connections Conference Welcome Party! Join in on the fun with cocktails and appetizers and get to know fellow attendees.

MONDAY, OCTOBER 23

Breakfast

8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Session VI - It’s Your Time to Shine Online 2:00- 3:15 p.m. Get ready to jumpstart your social media mindset and learn how to create meaningful and profitable results! Don’t miss this informative session that will cover easy-to-implement tips and strategies to see your social media soar to new heights. Speaker: Crystal Vilkaitis, Crystal Media

Afternoon Break

3:15 - 3:30 p.m.

3:30 - 5:00 p.m. Get the inside track from top beach, coastal and nautical wholesalers about their latest product offerings, industry trends, buying advice and more during informal sit-down interviews with the vendors who are exhibiting at Coastal Connections Conference’s Boardwalk event. Panelists: The Boardwalk Vendors

Session VII: The Boardwalk Chat

Session III: 45 Rewarding Ideas

9:00 - 10:00 a.m. in 45 Minutes

Get your pen and paper ready, because you’re going to want to jot these tips down. From app recommendations that make your life easier to display tips that will turn profits, you’ll leave with 45 takeaways that you can put into practice immediately at your retail store! Speaker: Cathy NagleErvin, Retail Training Tools

Morning Break

10:00 - 10:15 a.m.

Session IV: Putting 10:15 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

Experiential Retail into Action

Find out how you can elevate the shopping experience inside your brick-and-mortar store with fresh new ideas and perspectives that will help you build a loyal customer base and increase sales. Panelists: Steve Schultz, Flip Flop Shops Holly Daniels Christensen, Dune Jewelry; Dave Foos, Clarkston Consulting

Session V: Creating Coastal 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Connections Continued

Back by popular demand! The Creating Coastal Connections session was an attendee favorite at January’s conference. Retail panelists and attendees will share ideas, best practices, challenges and opportunities in a lively discussion you

It’s Five O’Clock Somewhere Party 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Unwind after a day of learning at the It’s Five O’clock Somewhere party. Take this opportunity to continue making meaningful connections with retailers and wholesalers while sharing ideas and experiences. Enjoy cocktails, appetizers and live entertainment!

TUESDAY, OCTOBER 24

Breakfast 8:00 - 9:00 a.m.

Session VIII: Visual 9:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Merchandising Tips and Tricks

Learn how to create a store layout that captures the coastal vibe while creating opportunities for increased sales. This how-to session will give you new inspiration and actionable takeaways to super-charge your displays! Speaker: Michael Hale, Retail REHAB

Closing Remarks

10:00 - 10:15 a.m.

The Boardwalk 10:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Explore exciting new products and get to know some of the industry’s hottest brands in an exclusive buying experience with a fun and laid-back vibe. A perfect opportunity for building relationships with vendors and getting a head start on placing orders!

STORY BY CAROLINE RISI